Egyptian-Americans Concerned for Those in Egypt

Tensions continue to flare in Egypt as demonstrators call for President Hosni Mubarak to step down from power. Protests have been taking place throughout Egypt over the past few days. That's causing concern for Egyptian-Americans who still have friends and family in Egypt.

"Of course, I'm very worried about my family," says Sharif Sadek.

More than ever, Sharif Sadek is glued to t-v and surfing the internet, watching every development. The young filmmaker got his mother in Cairo on the phone. She's been warned to stay off the streets.

After 30 years of President Mubarak in power, after elections many Egyptians argue were not fair or free, Sadek insists there is only one acceptable outcome.

"The United States can urge Mubarak to step down and leave the country. Go to Switzerland, go to South Africa. Go to the moon. We do not want President Mubarak. We want him out. His time is done."

Inside Egypt, social networking helped spread word of the revolt despite government efforts to quash it.

"They are desperate, they...they are afraid they are worried and they should be. People are still able to find ways to communicate." "Of course everyone has a fear that it could end badly. If it would end badly, it would not; I wouldn't lay the blame on the protesters but rather on the security forces who have started with the violence."

Rallies staged in the u-s are meant to send a message.

"They stand in solidarity with them. Let them know they are not alone."

The Egyptian government has resigned, although President Mubarak says he doesn't plan on stepping down.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.